Spook-a-thon in Norwich draws costumed crowd for a cause

Saturday

Oct 26, 2013 at 5:11 PMOct 26, 2013 at 5:11 PM

By Nicole WagnerFor The Bulletin

NORWICH — What do Iron Man and the Disney princesses have in common, other than having their own movie franchises? They all could be found Saturday at Dodd Stadium during the third annual Spook-a-thon, sponsored by Panera Bread and partner 97.7 WCTY.

The Halloween festival is a fundraiser that benefits Connecticut Sports Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families.

“This is an awesome cause,” Rebecca Theriaque, of Plainfield, said. “As cancer survivors, I like what the foundation stands for, and this is a great concept that brings happiness and education.”

Theriaque discovered she had ovarian cancer while delivering her son, LJ, now 6. What doctors assumed was a blood-filled cyst was determined to be cancer on the umbilical cord, which had spread from Theriaque’s unknown ovarian cancer.

LJ and Theriaque were both cancer-free not long after the birth, but Rebecca was diagnosed anew with an abdominal cancer in March.

“This cause is worthwhile because most people know someone battling cancer. It can happen to anyone,” said Jane Ellis, executive director of Connecticut Sports Foundation. “The benefit of our event is that it is local, and community members can see where the money is going. It’s tangible.”

The event began with a complimentary breakfast hosted by Panera. While attendees washed down their cream cheese-covered bagels with hot beverages, they listened to “Mustang Sally” performed by the Déjà vu Doo band and browsed a raffle table featuring 13 prizes, including the latest Kindle e-reader.

Costumed children hopped from station to station, participating in pumpkin-painting, face-painting and cookie-decorating. But the whole family united to walk through the haunted dugout, ride the hayrides and partake in contests.

The Theriaques were among the families hoping to win big.

LJ dressed as a robot he dubbed the Candybot 9000. As LJ held hands with Rebecca and his father, James, they said they had to bring their “A-game” this year, since LJ’s Swedish Chef (a Muppets character) won first place last year in the Kid Costume category.

As LJ made stiff movements to emulate a robot, the family said this year’s costume was constructed using cardboard boxes, a popcorn bucket, Christmas lights, an old computer, a cellphone and a tablet.

“An event like this brings a smile to my face and many others who just want to be a part of something,” Rebecca Theriaque said.

And the Theriaques had even more to smile about, because LJ shared a win with Bella Grace, dressed as Boo from “Monsters, Inc.,” for Kid Costume.

Other costume winners were Josh McDougal in Adult for his Frankenstein, and the Mullenix family in Group as minions.

In addition, a top fundraiser award was given to Paula Floryan, general manager for the Wethersfield Panera, who raised $450 for her team.